Duck creche

[fredpuli47]

Which native British duck is it that acts as a 'nanny' to the broods of her own and others' ducklings ? Years ago, on the Stour in Essex, I used to witness this strange procession along the shoreline, where the number of young was patently greater than any single brood of one duck could be, but I now forget what the 'nanny' duck looked like ! Do the mothers have some rota, or is the choice of leader entirely random ? Perhaps one mum gets the bulk of the duties!

[plowter]

Female eider ducks certainly act as aunties and protect a number of broods of ducklings. See Eiders in Northumberland.

[fredpuli47]

Hmm. 'Fraid not. The link says, in effect, they are not found as far south as Essex.Thanks for your help.